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Alumni

By: Utani Hikuam
Dr Christoph Hikuam is an alumni of the Deutsche Hohere Privateschule (DHPS). Upon finishing his secondary education the DHPS, he studied Biomedical Technology in neighboring South Africa.
Q: Would you be able to describe your High School?
A: Yes. My High School had very good quality teachers and state-of-the art infrastructure, with proper academic and sports facilities. Not many schools, at that time, could compete with DHPS. This quality was actually maintained from my grade 7 until the grade 12 year, when I completed my secondary education.
Q: What was the one thing your High School did well?
A: My High School was academically good. Those days, we had to write aptitude tests before we were accepted. We were then offered scholarships that were determined by academic performance. This ensured dedication and hard work, as most of our attendances to this prestigious school depended on this scholarship. This, to me, was vital for preservation of the standard of education that was offered at the DHPS.
Q: Which High School friends do you remember most?
A: I can easily remember all my classmates because we were in the same class from grade 7 to 12. I also remember my soccer teammates. Having been in the same winning team from grade 7 to 12 and beyond, we shared many wonderful memories. And of course, I am married to my classmate who I met at the DHPS. We were classmates from grade 7 to 12.
Q: What characteristics does one need in order to advance in your field?
A: The field I studied in is known as Biomedical Sciences, also referred to as Medical Technology. It is a very technical field that requires a committed individual. Biomedical Scientists are integral yet invisible members of the healthcare team - they are always working behind the scenes. Doctors and nurses need laboratory results for accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases. For example, in the United States, that 70% of all clinical decisions (decisions to confirm disease and appropriate treatment) are based on medical laboratory results. This is how significant this field of work is. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to detail, and thoroughly and critically analyze results, as those results are used for the diagnosis and adequate treatment of the patients. Small mistakes often lead to lose of lives.
Q: Are there any negatives to your job?
A: Yes, there are always positives and negatives in everything. The key is to be cognizant of the negative, while making the most of the positives. Medical laboratory science has grown tremendously in Namibia over the last 10 years, however, the growth is only reflected in the number of laboratories, and not the diversity of tests methods and availability of laboratory-based research opportunities. As the President of the professional association, one of my responsibilities is to create opportunities for professional development. This will further facilitate adequate capacity to conduct research in Namibia.
Q: Where do you envision yourself 10 years from now?
A: In ten years’ time, I see myself as a leader in a non-governmental organization, advocating for availability and access to equal quality health services for all.
(Caption: Dr. Christoph Hikuam at Graduation)